The third-generation Ertiga competitor now rides on a new front-wheel drive platform and is propelled by two petrol engines. (Avanza Vs Toyota Veloz 2023)
Prior to being on sale in international markets, the third-generation Toyota Avanza MPV made its international debut in Indonesia. Over its predecessor, the third-generation MPV receives some significant upgrades. Including a new platform that switches the MPV from rear- to front-wheel drive. The Toyota Veloz, its sportier sister car, was also unveiled with it. (Avanza Vs Toyota Veloz 2023)
- The Toyota Raize and the New Avanza have the same platform.
- The Veloz, the sibling of the Toyota Avanza, features crisper styling.
- powered by a petrol engine that is either 1.3 or 1.5 litres in size.
Toyota Avanza: engine and platform
The third-generation Avanza, which is supported by the same Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) as the company’s Raize SUV, represents the biggest update to the MPV. The TNGA architecture, which forms the basis of all new Toyotas globally, is essentially a low-cost version of the DNGA.
The drivetrain has changed as a result of the switch to the DNGA architecture. The new Avanza and Veloz have front-wheel drive, in contrast to earlier iterations that had rear-wheel drive.
The MPV is now noticeably 205mm longer and 70mm wider, both increases in size. The car manufacturer promises a 205mm ground clearance and a 95mm extension in the wheelbase.
However, the familiar pair of 98 hp, 1.3-liter, and 106 hp, 1.5-litre petrol engines have been carried over from the older car’s engine lineup. Options for transmissions include a CVT (only for 1.5) or a 5-speed manual.
Toyota Avanza, Veloz: exterior design
Sharper lines, more pronounced creases, and a revised glasshouse mark a stylistic change from the previous Avanza. A thin grille coated with chrome connects the narrow headlights up front. Lower down, an air-dam with geometric cutouts on either side sits, housing the fog lamps.
The MPV has character along the sides thanks to the pronounced shoulder line.Doors have creases and wheel arches with flares. Another distinct difference is the glasshouse, which has a rising window line that ends in a triangular rear quarter window.
The tailboard now has sharper lines around the back and a noticeable trapezoidal cutout housing the number plate. The L-shaped taillights from the previous generation MPV are replaced with slimmer horizontal ones, and the bumper is also redesigned.
With a more distinctive front look that includes a redesigned bumper. A different mesh pattern grille, and even modified headlamps, the Veloz gains even more visual difference. Differently shaped alloy wheels, sportier side skirts. And a trim piece that extends from the headlamps to the rear are all present on the sides. The Veloz has a new rear bumper, and the taillamps now reach the Toyota badge located in the middle of the tailgate.
Toyota Avanza, Veloz: interior and technology
The third-generation MPV’s interior has also had a thorough revamp. The multilayer dashboard now includes a contrast-colored middle portion that is either white or a brownish tone on the Avanza. While the two MPVs have a similar basic layout and a 7-seat cabin, they have different centre consoles and equipment.
The Avanza’s conventional dials, free-standing 7.0-inch touchscreen, digital air-conditioning controls, and raised central console appear to end at the gear lever. On the other hand, the Veloz has a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument panel, and AC controls in the rotary manner. The conventional handbrake is replaced by an electronic unit, and a wireless phone charger takes up the space left by the handbrake in the raised centre console, which appears to extend all the way to the front centre armrest. A central fold-down rear-seat entertainment screen, door mats, and ambient lighting are all included in the Veloz.
Toyota Safety Sense, which incorporates lane departure assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and lane departure assist, is also standard on both cars. Stability control, hill start assistance, six airbags, and a 360-degree camera on the Veloz are further safety features included on board.
Will the Toyota Avanza and Veloz make it to India?
While competing with the Suzuki Ertiga in South East Asian markets, the Avanza and Veloz are not anticipated to be sold in India. While the Avanza was once considered for the Indian market, Toyota and Maruti Suzuki recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under which the latter would provide the former with rebadged versions of some of its vehicles, including the Ertiga.
Toyota also just unveiled the Rumion MPV, which is based on the Ertiga, in South Africa and registered the same name in India.
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